Fearing Fear Itself

Sept. 11, 2001. That is the day that set the stage for the new psyche of America for the 21st Century. Vulnerability and fear are now played upon by politicians and the average American now realizes how fast things can change. I happened to be attending a workshop in Midtown Manhattan on 9/11 and I saw first-hand how fast the atmosphere of a fast-paced, cosmopolitan hub can change. In a matter of hours, the demeanor of the populace of the entire city went from business as usual to that of a silence procession heading home knowing that the future is uncertain and will never be the same.

Creative Sponsorships to Increase Event Revenue

Event professionals know all too well the pressure to increase revenue each year. Budgets get tighter, costs are cut and yet the attendee experience is expected to improve – and so is attendance!

So how do organizers balance this list of competing priorities while still increasing event revenue?

One solution is to find additional revenue where no one is looking.

New Omni Hotel Slated Next to Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center will be getting much-needed nearby hotel room inventory when a new Omni Hotel & Resorts-branded hotel opens in early 2021.

An agreement for the $550 million project was signed between the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and Dallas-based Omni Hotels & Resorts.

With a variety of innovative guest amenities, the hotel will be among the city’s largest, with 1,050-plus rooms and suites, as well as 110,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, which includes a 25,000 sq. ft. grand ballroom.

Two of Hannover Messe’s US Shows Merge to Form Integrated Automation, Motion & Drives Trade Show

Hannover Fairs USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Hannover, Germany’s Deutsche Messe will combine two of HANNOVER MESSE portfolio trade shows, Industrial Automation and Motion, Drive & Automation, to form Integrated Automation, Motion & Drives (IAMD).

The new trade show will feature the full range of industrial automation, power transmission and fluid power solutions for the factory of the future.

8,800+ booths at Global Sources’ Spring Trade Shows in Hong Kong

Global Sources will open its spring trade show series next month in Hong Kong. In total, the company’s events will feature more than 8,800 booths at its exhibition held at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE).

Global Sources Electronics will be held in two phases. The first phase will run April 11-4, showcasing 3,600 booths focused on consumer electronics, virtual reality and gaming, electronic components and smart living.

Reed Exhibitions Greater China Names New COO

Reed Exhibitions Greater China appointed Josephine Lee to the role of COO, effective April 1.

Lee takes up the appointment after several successful years as senior vice president and later in 2016 as executive vice president of Reed Exhibitions Greater China.

 In this new position, in addition to sales and marketing responsibilities, Lee will oversee Reed Greater China’s entire portfolio of events, as well as the operations team.

Yarn Expo Spring Scores High Satisfaction Marks

Yarn Expo Spring concluded its 2017 edition last month with high satisfaction from both exhibitors and buyers.

Held from March 15-17 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair attracted 22,579 visitors from 94 countries and regions (2016: 20,527, 77 countries and regions) to source a large variety of yarn and fibre products brought by a total of 393 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions (2016: 309, 11 countries and regions), a 10 percent and 27 percent increase, respectively.

BolognaFiere Spearheads a New Rights and Licensing Show in New York City

Italy-based BolognaFiere has launched a new copyright trade and licensing show dedicated to publishing, international rights and licensing.

The show will bring U.S. publishers and agents together with their global counterparts and will attract booksellers and librarians to both groups. ,

The new event is scheduled for May 30– June 1, 2018 and will be held in midtown Manhattan.

People News: Simon Foster Tapped to Lead Comexposium; PMMI Names Jim Pittas President, CEO

The winter months ended with a flurry of hirings and promotions in several for-profit companies and association show organizations, as well as suppliers to the trade show industry.

Comexposium Group has appointed Simon Foster as CEO as of August 2017. At that time, Renaud Hamaide will transition from CEO to executive chairman.

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.